Job Description: Architect.

Published 10/12/2012
Architects work in the construction industry designing new buildings and the spaces in
and around them. They also help restore and conserve old buildings, and develop new
ways of using existing buildings. They are involved in construction projects from the
earliest stages right through to completion.

Job Description, salaries and benefits

Architects work in the construction industry designing new buildings, restoring and
conserving old buildings and developing new ways of using existing buildings. They are
involved in construction projects from the earliest stages right through to completion.

Their work includes:

preparing and presenting design proposals to clients

advising clients
producing detailed drawings
negotiating with contractors and other professionals
attending regular meetings with clients, contractors and other
specialists
co-ordinating the work of contractors
making site visits to check on progress
dealing with problems that might come up during building.

Architects usually work 9am to 5pm from Monday to Friday. Most architects' work is
office-based, although some time is spent visiting clients and sites.

Salaries may range from around 25,000 a year up to 100,000 or more for partners and
directors.
An architect should:

have strong visual awareness and an eye for detail

have good drawing skills, with the ability to work in three
dimensions (3D)
be inventive and imaginative
be passionate about buildings and the built environment
care about people and the environment.

Architects work in private architectural practices across the UK. Other employers include
government, construction companies and organisations such as retailers and
manufacturers.

To become a qualified architect it is necessary to complete a degree at a school of

architecture, followed by experience in an architect's office. Mature applicants may be
accepted for courses without the usual qualifications. The Royal Institute of British
Architects (RIBA) offers an alternate training route for office-based candidates.

To practise and use the title 'architect', individuals must register with the Architects
Registration Board. This means spending at least seven years in training and higher
education.

In the private sector, a newly-qualified architect would generally join a practice as a

salaried employee. With experience, they might become an associate, and eventually a
partner. In the public sector, architects may progress to senior or principal architect.
Experienced architects in any sector can set up their own architectural practice.

What is the work like?

Their work involves:

preparing and presenting design proposals to clients

preparing tender and planning applications and presentations
 advising clients on the practicality of their project
producing detailed drawings from which costings are made
negotiating with contractors and other professionals
attending regular meetings with clients, contractors and other
specialists
co-ordinating the work of contractors
making site visits to check on progress
making sure that the project is running within the agreed time
frame
dealing with problems that might come up during building.

The design process begins with developing initial ideas with the client. The architect asks
detailed questions to find out exactly what the client wants and how much money is
available for the project. The needs of people who will use the building, and the impact of
the building on the local community and the environment must also be taken into
account.

The architect then produces designs using computer-aided design (CAD), showing how
the spaces in the building will be organised, what the building will look like in its
environment and how it will be built. On a large project, a team of architects produce the
designs.

Most designs need approval from bodies such as local planning and building control
departments, as well as from the client. Once the designs have been accepted, the
architect produces detailed drawings for the builder to use. When building is under way,
the architect visits the site to check progress and inspect the work.

Architects work closely with other professionals on every project, including engineers,
surveyors, architectural technicians and technologists, to make sure that their buildings
meet the necessary standards. They also work closely with construction specialists on site
and oversee the project from beginning to end.

Starting salaries for registered architects may be around 25,000 a year.

Hours and environment
Architects usually work 9am to 5pm from Monday to Friday. However, they may also
have to work extra hours in the evenings or at weekends to meet deadlines. Overtime may
not always be paid. There are a few opportunities for part-time work.

Most architects' work is office-based, although some time is spent visiting clients and
sites. Protective clothing, such as a hard hat and boots, is worn on building sites.

Some jobs involve travel and periods away from home, both in the UK and overseas. A
driving licence is useful.

Salary and other benefits

These figures are only a guide, as actual rates of pay may vary, depending on the
employer and where people live.

Newly-qualified architects (with Royal Institute of British

Architects Part 3) may earn approximately 25,000 a year.
Average salaries are between 30,000 and 40,000.
Partners and directors can earn up to 100,000 or more.

Skills and personal qualities

An architect should:

have strong visual awareness and an eye for detail

 have good drawing skills, with the ability to work in three
dimensions (3D)
be inventive and imaginative
have reasonable mathematical skills
have computer skills
have excellent verbal and written communication skills
have presentation skills
be able to organise projects
have a logical, analytical and creative approach to problem
solving
have time management skills
be self-confident and able to cope with criticism of their work
be able to manage others.

Interests
It is important to:

be passionate about buildings and the built environment

enjoy art and design
care about people and the environment.

Getting in
There are over 30,000 architects in the UK and 2,500 of these are in Scotland. About 80
per cent of architects work in private architectural practices, most of which are small to
medium-sized firms.
Other employers include central and local government, construction companies, and
commercial and industrial organisations such as retailers and manufacturers.

There are more jobs for architects in London and south-east England where most of the
larger practices are based, but it is possible to work in smaller practices anywhere in the
UK.

The professional bodies for architecture include job vacancies on their websites. There
are also vacancies in the trade magazines and journals such as Architects' Journal, which
has teamed up with Careers in Construction, the UK's largest specialist construction
recruitment website.

Entry for young people

To become a qualified architect it is necessary to complete a degree at one of 38 schools
of architecture recognised by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and the
Architects Registration Board (ARB).

Students need at least two A levels/three H grades, with at least five GCSEs/S grades (A-
C/1-3). GCSE/S grade subjects should include maths, English language and a separate
science or a double science award. A levels/H grades should generally be in academic
subjects. Maths, physics and art are useful subjects at A level, AS level or H grade,
although a very wide range of subjects can be accepted.

Equivalent qualifications, such as a BTEC National Certificate or Diploma in

Construction, may be acceptable.

Most schools of architecture also ask to see a portfolio of freehand drawings and sketches
at interview.

People without the usual qualifications may be able to take a foundation year at a school
of architecture to prepare for the course.
Entry for adults
Mature applicants may be accepted for courses without the usual qualifications. Relevant
study or work in areas like surveying or construction is usually considered. Foundation
courses are also suitable for mature entrants without the usual entry qualifications.

The RIBA Examination in Architecture for Office-based Candidates is a way of

qualifying for people who cannot attend courses at schools of architecture. It takes at
least four years to obtain RIBA Part 1 and two years to obtain Part 2 through this route.

Training
To practise and use the title 'architect', individuals must register with the Architects
Registration Board. This means spending at least seven years in training and higher
education. This involves:

a five-year study programme on a recognised course: this is

usually divided into two parts - a three-year course (RIBA Part
1), and a further two-year course (RIBA Part 2)
at least two years' training in an architect's office - one year is
normally taken after Part 1, the second year after Part 2
the RIBA Part 3 Examination in Professional Practice and
Management.

Qualified architects keep up to date by doing short courses.

Getting on
Promotion depends on the individual's skill, competence and experience. In the private
sector, a newly-qualified architect would generally join a practice as a salaried employee.
With experience, they might become an associate and, eventually, a partner.

In the public sector, architects may progress to senior or principal architect. Further
promotion could lead to a management post.

Experienced architects in any sector can set up their own architectural practice.

There are also opportunities to move into specialist fields such as project management,
planning or landscape architecture. Many qualified architects also move into related areas
such as interior design or graphic design.

It may also be possible to work on projects overseas.

Further information
Architects Registration Board (ARB), 8 Weymouth Street,
London W1W 5BU. 020 7580 5861.
CITB-ConstructionSkills, Bircham Newton, King's Lynn,
Norfolk PE31 6RH. 01485 577577.
The Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS),
15 Rutland Square, Edinburgh EH1 2BE. 0131 229 7545.
Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), 66 Portland
Place, London W1B 1AD. 020 7580 5533.
Royal Society of Architects in Wales (RSAW), Bute
Building, King Edward VII Avenue, Cathays Park, Cardiff
CF10 3NB. 029 2087 4753.
Royal Society of Ulster Architects (RSUA), 2 Mount Charles,
Belfast BT7 1NZ. 028 9032 3760.
Further reading
Shaping the future: Careers in Architecture - RIBA
TARGET 16+ Construction - GTI Specialist Publishers
TARGET Construction and Building Services - GTI Specialist
Publishers
Working in building & construction - Lifeskills